Staring history in the face

Many of you know I love history, from studying archaeology and Egyptology with Exeter University, to writing history articles, I’m often surrounded by something historical.
 
As well as currently being 9yrs into co-writing a history book about the Greek island of Zakynthos, I’m also researching and writing a history book about the area I live in.
 
During my research I’ve not only delved into archives and ancient records, I’ve also visited sites and museums to see ancient artefacts discovered by accident or during excavations.
 
Recently, I was very excited to finally see in person, two incredible artefacts that were discovered in my village. Seeing something that was used by past dwellers, that are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, was incredible and it makes research even more exciting.
 
So, what were these artefacts?
 
Ancient shoe
Thought to date from 640 to 760, this shoe was discovered in the village in 2005, inside a hollow tree trunk. The shoe is so well preserved, that in places the leather still has holes for laces and stitching on it! Until recently it was also thought to have been the oldest excavated ancient shoe in the UK.
 
An ancient spring head
Thought to also date from 640 to 760 and found on an excavated Bronze Age site, was a wooden spring head possibly made from poplar or willow. The spring head would have been used by local dwellers to collect water from local springs. This was found in an area with many other significant Bronze Age indicators and artefacts.
 
History is all about reading, looking at evidence, and trying to piece things together to get the bigger picture. I’m so glad I was able to finally see these artefacts in person, they’ve helped me get a further glimpse into the past, adding context to what I’ve already learned, and I can’t wait to add more details to my research!
 
Photos: Chrissie Parker, taken at the RAAM Museum.